TRS awaiting word from Congress

Telangana Rashtra Samiti president K. Chandrasekhar Rao and over a score leaders of the party are camping in New Delhi expecting a word from the Congress for consultations on speeding up the process of formation of Telangana State. The leaders, sources said, discussed at a luncheon meeting hosted by Peddapalli MP G. Vivekanand steps to mount pressure on Congress to expedite the process. The process of merger of the TRS with the Congress could be thought of only when the latter decides upon introduction of Bill on separate Telangana.

A senior TRS leader confirmed to The Hindu that the party was expecting a word from the Congress about the steps to be taken. “But unless they come, how can we proceed” was his cryptic remark. He also said this was not the right time to discuss the issue of merger in the midst of Parliament session. Another leader however ruled out talk of merger right now as the priority was formation of Telangana State and everything else could follow later. Mr. Rao, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening, is keenly watching the developments to obstruct separate Telangana by leaders of Seemandhra. The meeting of YSR Congress honorary president Vijayamma with President Pranab Mukherjee and her fast at Jantar Mantar attracted the attention of the TRS. Among leaders who are camping in New Delhi included party secretary general K. Keshava Rao and MLAs Etela Rajender, T. Harish Rao, Koppula Easwar, Jupally Krishna Rao, N. Odelu, K. Vidyasagar Rao, T. Rajaiah, and G. Kamalakar.